Foote and Webb Selected for PPIA Fellowships
JONESBORO – Two Arkansas State University students have been selected to participate in Public Policy and International Affairs (PPIA) Fellowships this summer.
Ellie Foote of Jackson, Mo., will be a fellow at the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton University.
Kaleb Webb of Cabot will be a fellow at the Hubert H. Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota.
Both Foote and Webb, who are Honors College students, are working on double majors, political science and world languages and cultures, with a global studies emphasis. They also minor in Spanish.
The PPIA Fellowship provides funding to attend the PPIA Junior Summer Institute at select U.S. policy schools after the recipient’s junior year. Program participants receive a graduate school scholarship, professional development, and mentorship for students planning to enter careers in public policy or international affairs.
Foote’s campus activities at A-State include Student Government Association, Model United Nations, Moot Court, Pre-Law Club and Women's Leadership Center. After graduation she plans to attend law school with career plans to work as an immigration lawyer, and she hopes to one day serve as an ambassador at the United Nations.
“I never thought that, financially, I would have the opportunity to study at an Ivy League school,” Foote noted. “Now that I have been accepted as a PPIA Fellow at Princeton, I am just so very thankful for everyone in the A-State community for helping prepare me for this opportunity.” Her parents are Aaron and Sarah Foote.
Webb serves as president of the Student Philanthropy Council and Food Pantry chair with Volunteer A-State. After graduation he plans to pursue a master’s degree in global policy studies and Latin American studies. His long-term plans include working with international humanitarian organizations to aid refugees, asylum seekers, and other victims of political issues.
“I am so honored to receive this fellowship, and I believe it will be a life-changing experience. I am grateful to the PPIA program and the University of Minnesota for providing this amazing opportunity to students who truly want to make a positive impact on their communities,” Webb commented. “I am grateful to the faculty and staff, for all of their support and help throughout this process. I look forward to attending this program and expanding my knowledge of policy and how it can change the world.”
A-State’s Emerging Scholars program supports all students seeking special opportunities similar to PPIA.
“Kaleb and Ellie will gain so much from this fellowship,” said Jennifer Salo, program director, who encourages other students to pursue learning opportunities that will help move them toward their goals. “My office provides one-on-one coaching to develop strong applications for nationally competitive grant programs in areas such as study abroad, service and leadership, and education in STEM research. The Emerging Scholars Program is here to help all our Red Wolves find additional opportunities outside the classroom.”
A full description of the PPIA Junior Institute program, the accompanying graduate school scholarship, and enrichment benefits is available online.
